kathodische

Kathodische is the German adjective meaning cathodic or relating to the cathode, the electrode where reduction takes place in an electrochemical cell. The term is used in physics, chemistry, and engineering to describe processes, potentials, or phenomena associated with the cathode. The corresponding opposite is anodisch, relating to the anode.

In electrochemistry, kathodische processes include reductions such as metal ion deposition or hydrogen evolution. For example, in electroplating, the object to be plated is made the cathode so metal ions are reduced and form a metal layer. In corrosion contexts, cathodic reactions at the protected metal reduce its tendency to oxidize.

Applications of the concept include cathodic protection, where an electrical potential is applied to make a structure act as the cathode and thus become less prone to corrosion; this can be achieved with galvanic anodes (sacrificial) or an impressed current. In energy storage, cathodic reactions occur at the cathode during discharge in batteries, such as lithium-ion cells where reduction takes place at the cathode.

Etymology and usage: Kathode derives from Greek kathodos “down the path” via French cathode. The adjective forms kathodisch or kathodische are used in German to describe cathode-related phenomena, as in die kathodische Reaktion or das kathodische Potential.

See also

- Cathode

- Anode

- Electroplating

- Cathodic protection

- Battery electrode processes